Navigate:

January 26, 2010

Categories:

Rep. Alan Mollohan (D-W.Va.) got his first dose of good news in a while after the Justice Department ended its lengthy investigation of his personal finances and earmarking practices.

“For nearly four years, in the face of a politically motivated assault on my character, I have continued to fight for jobs and the working families of West Virginia,” Mollohan said in a statement announcing he was exonerated.

“With this behind me, I am more determined than ever to stand up for the people of the First Congressional District and fight for what matters — good jobs, a strong economy and a government that works for the people, not the special interests.”

Mollohan has been a dominant force back home, in large part because of his record of appropriating federal funding to the poor, rural district. Despite the federal investigation looming over him, he handily won reelection in 2006 and ran unopposed in 2008.

In the face of mounting Republican attacks designed to pressure him to retire, Mollohan filed for reelection earlier this month. But he began the new year with a near-empty campaign account, banking just $64,000.

Republicans believe that the worsening national environment for Democrats could hit Mollohan particularly hard, given that he represents a coal-producing district where the administration push for a cap-and-trade energy bill is viewed unfavorably. Mollohan voted against the energy bill last year.

Several Republican candidates have stepped forward to challenge Mollohan, including former state Del. David McKinley and developer Mac Warner.

The district has been trending Republican, and gave Sen. John McCain 57 percent of the vote in 2008.

If the FBI spent four years investigating Mollohan and did not charge him, then shouldn't that be enough to give the man a break? Nothing the NLPC alleged was shown to be true. Out of 500 pages no less! It's not like the FBI "rushed" the investigation. It's also not like the FBI is afraid to go after politicians. He is a pro-life, pro-gun, individual that has done more than just about anyone to support business growth in his district. He has the perfect profile to represent the First District. I think its time for a reality check.

If the FBI spent four years investigating Mollohan and did not charge him, then shouldn't that be enough to give the man a break? Nothing the NLPC alleged was shown to be true. Out of 500 pages no less! It's not like the FBI "rushed" the investigation. It's also not like the FBI is afraid to go after politicians. He is a pro-life, pro-gun, individual that has done more than just about anyone to support business growth in his district. He has the perfect profile to represent the First District. I think its time for a reality check.